Ask ECRI: Patients Who Present with Chest Pains

​An ECRI Institute member recently wrote to ask for guidance on how to handle patients who come to the office with chest pains. The member asked, for instance, who can assess the patient's status in this situation, and whether different steps should be taken for patients and nonpatients.

In our response, we note first that organizations should establish triage systems. These systems should be used for any patient who presents to the health center, regardless of symptoms. Triage programs should be appropriately staffed (see [Ask ECRI: Staffing for...